Villa Russo — Restaurant in New York

I went to the venue to check it out for my 4 hour reception. Started out great I must add Beautiful place and I could see my reception at the venue. But things soon took a turn when I went on to talk to Donna about an estimated costs and other details. I can’t serve pork or alcohol at my wedding reception bc we are Muslim and we don’t eat that. So after Donna handed me the menu with pork and alcohol in it, I asked if we could do catering from outside which is what one of the staff said many people choose to do. Many of our guests are elderly Muslim family members (I have to order things they will eat) so I wanted to cater from outside. Donna was not with it though! At first she actually refused to let me have catering from outside and said we could substitute with fish and chicken (still not halal chicken but we are just talking so I let her have her way). Then she insisted that at least 5/6 servers must serve the food bc Covid even tho it’s supposed to be a buffet style dining. Donna insisted that people must be served while they stand in line with plates (all guests are or will be vaccinated or they are not coming but still I let it go). She then said “your mom and aunts or whatever can’t serve the food” lol IDK why my mom would want to do that at my wedding reception but thanks for making that clear Donna! After pushed me to agree to do catering from the venue and the staff needed for my 4 hour reception, Im sure I seemed to be a bit iffy about the huge amount she estimated. It’s just a 4 hour reception but she estimated about $9000 I think. So I was like reasonably confused, so Ms. Donna gets kinda rude. She definitely mocked me and said “what is your budget? 4000! 3000??” in a really confrontational tone. There is better ways to address a potential client you just met. Then she said I worry too much when I had questions about specifics of the amounts of money she allocated to like staff serving. I wanted to be nice bc she apparently sees people with appointment and we didn’t have one so bit my tongue. But no one should tell you that you will be charged over $7000/$8000 for a 4 hour reception and then proceed to demean you whist insinuating you shouldn’t have went there to even consider their venue! I just started looking for venues for my reception but this lady left me speechless. To experience this kind of behavior in Richmond hill Queens of all places is just astounding bc look at the neighborhood where it’s at! Donna said I should “expose my guests to new flavors or something like that” when I wanted to arrange for my own catering. It’s a multi ethnic wedding reception with Muslim people. I think have the flavors covered thank you Donna....

Unfortunately, I have to leave this review because my experience was definitely not what I expected.

I will start off with the pros: I rented the party room that fits 30-60 people. I wanted an intimate party with family and friends to celebrate my baby shower for my 1st born. The space was nice and clean and spacious. Very vibrant and vintage. The only compliment I have would be the waitress that helped host the event named Vanessa. She did an amazing job making sure me and my guest were catered and met their needs with their requests. She was attentive and friendly.

Cons: For the price they charged me for a small space (2k) I expected more professionalism and courteous. Dolores Jacome ( Banquet Manager) was very rude and lacks communication skills. During the party, she was letting people from the public (strangers) come into my event while the event started and my guest were already seated and ready to eat. My sister approached her to ask her why she was seeing people at the office while there is an event happening, according to her she was unaware that the dance floor where the DJ was performing was also rented. Locked her office and gave my sister an attitude when confronted. I was disappointed and honestly felt disrespected. (Side note) I was also told if I needed the space for personal items like gifts, the office could be of use but the manager went ahead and told my husband no gifts were allowed in the office and proceeded to shut the door.

The food was okay. Definitely needed more flavor but edible. The wine (red & white) was dry and tasted awful. Also, we had to request for more soft drinks to be served since we had unlimited soft drinks but only provided water, sprite and the disgusting wine. Luckily, Vanessa corrected the issue and it was resolved.

I do not recommend this venue due to the staff and false promises and professionalism they lack. The venue has to do better in communication and organization for the price they are charging for a small space for only 4hrs. I will not be booking anymore events at this location and if you are looking for a venue that will accommodate your needs , this is not the place for you. Don't waste your money...

I just had both my wedding ceremony and reception here a week ago. Pros: the venue was absolutely stunning, the staff was very friendly during the planning, large selection of food and my guests enjoyed the fact the drinks weren't watered down. Cons: I was quoted one price when I signed the contract but when I went to finalize it was actually over $1000 more. Donna had way too many opinions on what I wanted when it was my wedding. I needlessly stressed about the placement of the dessert table because it was going to be behind my guests instead of full vision of everyone, I was told I couldn't use the dessert bar (which was a lie). When I requested my cake, Donna put it in without any of my information so I had to find a place to do a cake for $100 guests 2 days before the wedding (credit to Cake Doctor, everyone loved it). I was told the staff would handle all set ups but 2 days before the wedding I was told I had to get people to assist. My guests complained that the servers cleared away their plates so quickly and they didn't get a chance to finish their food. Lastly I explained my centerpieces were rented so I needed everything back including the packaging, they were more focused on the next event and threw away a lot of the packaging causing some of the glass to crack during transport so I am now out of $2500.

It is a beautiful place for any event just be mindful of the sales pitch.

As I said before, the centerpieces cracked because the staff threw away the packaging when I told them I needed them. Looking at my last bill it appears that the cake was indeed on my contract. Lastly, my guest list was at 100 when I did the contract, to add a plate for my husband and myself should not have...